Orlando Cruz Cardenas

Orlando Cruz Cardenas, born on July 21, 1980, in Florence, Arizona fell asleep in death on March 31, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona at 44 years of age from complications related to CHF/AFib. He was the youngest son of Juan Cardenas and Rosa Vega. Lando, as he was affectionately known, left his mark in this world with his selfless and giving nature. He radiated positivity to those around him with his playfulness and laughter.

Lando is survived by his devoted sons, Orlando (Peyton Cardenas) and Lorenzo Cardenas, grandson, Gio Cardenas, wife, Miranda Cardenas, brothers Gabriel Cardenas (Teresa Cruz) and Jason Steadman (Kayla Martinez), sisters, Bernadette Cardenas Henze (David Henze), Vanessa Steadman, Gina Chacon (Vince Chacon) and Raquel Cardenas, parents, Juan Cardenas (Virginia Ybarra), and Alex & Irene Padilla. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles who adored him dearly. Among them are Vera Friend, Rosemary “Bebee” Sanchez (Frank Sanchez), Manuela “Nellie” Perez (Rudy Perez), Della Cardenas, Lupe Bailey (Eddie Bailey), Martha Vega (Domingo Espinoza), Cruz “Boy” Cardenas (Christina Cardenas), Ponciano “Sonny” Cardenas (Rachel Cardenas), and Joey Cardenas. Nieces and nephews who cherished him: Elena Alejandra Chavez (Jon Chavez), Danna J Zaragoza (Hilario Zaragoza), Rochelle Cruz Cardenas, Sabrina Marie Cruz Cardenas, Esperanza Steadman, Destiney Martinez, Angellina Martinez, Estrella Martinez, Sophia Steadman, Mariah Rivera, Brianna Chacon, Elianna Chacon, Vincent Chacon, Aaron Henze, and great-niece, Layla B Yazzie, and a host of cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Rosa Vega, his aunts Lisa Vega, Hilda Cardenas, Angie Cardenas, and his uncles Albert, Phillip, and Angel Vega.

As a child, the family moved every year. This was a major contributing factor in creating Lando’s adaptiveness and confidence (The other being the house parties Tia Martha and Tia Lisa used to throw, which he absolutely loved). It was also the reason he was such a social butterfly - whenever Lando went somewhere he knew everyone there. And if he did not know them when he walked in, he definitely did when he walked out. Lando met Miranda in 8th grade math class. Although he attempted to get her attention, constantly messing with her, it was his aptitude in math that convinced Miranda to give him a chance. And it was not just math, our brother was so intelligent that when he finally decided to take his GED test, he passed without any preparation. Wish it were the same for his driver’s license though. He had to take the written test the max number of times to pass that.

Orlando later enlisted in the Army Reserves, graduating from Fort Knox, and becoming a Certified Crane Operator. He worked at The Market Builder for approximately 10 years before leaning into a trade. Lando attended RSI, where upon graduation he was referred to Medtronic. So Lando stopped by and won the job with his charisma.

Lando enjoyed riding bicycles, especially with his brothers and sons or cruising Main Street, camping, anything outdoors, his caring nature meant he stayed busy helping family – all while listening to music and with a beer in his hand. No matter what happened the night before, he always came through. You could count on Lando. He was a good Dad, the best Dad! He was always hands-on with Lando and Lorenzo. He handmade Halloween costumes for the family for years.

Lando’s presence will be missed but his memory will stay with us in the stories we recount and the love we share.